The Power of Words

When Self-Doubt Is Louder Than Creativity

Write.

Just write.

Why isn't she writing?

*whispers*

Do you think she knows how to write?

This, and worse, plays in my head on repeat during a bad writing day. While at a glance it seems funny, in reality it is the curling edge of a downward spiral of self-doubt and discouragement. If I don't catch it in time, it drags my mood and my entire day down into a sopping black abyss. My thoughts turn to other areas of my life full of looming uncertainty, past difficulties, and failures, and I become a withered, shrunken creature swathed in self-pity and bitterness. All because of a few simple thoughts that I didn't take time to curtail.

Why are writers, who of all people know how powerful words are, so vulnerable to our own minds?

I'll be honest, I don't know - but I think it has something to do with the fact that, while we have so many words to share with other people, we rarely think about the words we share with ourselves.

We set physical boundaries - no writing at the dinner table, no phone during a writing session, etc. - but often forget to set mental boundaries. With all the images and emotions swirling through our heads, especially when we're staring in frustration at the blank page, it's easy to let them get out of control. For someone who spends a lot of time in her head, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been the best about nurturing my mental health. So how do we change this?

Here are a few things that have helped me through the tough days:

- Prayer

Blunt, I know. Sometimes I don't even want to talk to God. But every time I take a breath and ask for guidance, endurance, or wisdom, I find myself a little (or a lot) less tense, and more open to creativity. We must be intentional, though; once we lay a burden in His hands, it needs to stay there. I'm as guilty as anyone of trying to pick it right back up. Leave it there.

- Taking A Break

Go outside. Chop wood. Take a bath (preferably not outside). Play with the dog or cat, if you have one. If the weather is nasty, then play inside if you can. Get out a board game. Read. Even watching a movie that inspires me helps sometimes, though it's best to get away from the screen as much as possible. Go to the kitchen and make tea, or a sandwich, or a cherry pie. Anything that gets you up and moving, sending blood back through your extremities and pushing more oxygen to your brain. Anything that gets you thinking about something positive, with creative action that isn't related to writing. Your body and mind will thank you.

- Music

More helpful than you might think. I have handfuls of 'mood' playlists with titles such as Happy Ending, Time To Panic, and Last Goodbyes, but I also find it helpful to compile an aesthetic playlist for my current project - and even arrange it like a soundtrack as I go along. You can use instrumental music, songs with words, or some of both, as long as it reminds you of what you love about this story and the vibes it has at its best. This is also very useful if you're in a space where you can't really write - such as in the car or at the gym - but want to get focused on your project in a positive way so you can sit right down later and skip the anti-pep talk.

- Diet & Atmosphere

I can't tell you how many times I've been ready to scrap my day's work, then made a cup of chamomile tea and decided there was at least something I could salvage. Teas that promote sound sleep, low stress levels, and even the immune system go a long way toward keeping a clear head.

Essential oils and candles are an excellent way to fill your writing space with soothing, clean scents. I love burning candles with notes of lavender, vanilla, or cinnamon (as long as they don't bother my allergies). It seems to keep the air cleaner, and of course it's fun to burn a candle at dusk for aesthetic. Just make sure you extinguish the wick before leaving the room, and keep it away from curtains and tissue boxes.

Most Importantly

Make sure to acknowledge when you do have negative thoughts and bad days. The first step to solving any problem is becoming aware of it. So be aware, and be mindful of what is going in and out of your - well, your mind.

If you find yourself holding on to self-doubt and deprecation, take a minute to be still, pray, remind yourself of what is important, and let go of the negativity. Imagine it drifting away like smoke, or rolling off like rain on a bird's feathers. Then do what you can to replace self-doubt with self-affirmation. If you have your own mantra, repeat it to yourself. Read the Bible - the Psalms are a good place to start. And if you need a little more structure, or simply want to start your day with self-affirmation, you can find guided sessions specifically for writers on YouTube. Words have power, and that goes both ways.

I hope some of these steps help you. Whether you're starting your first novel, dabbling in short stories, or at the peak of your career with a day-to-day writing regimen, we're all in this together. So imagine me nodding and raising my mug of root beer in your direction, as I wish the best of luck to you on your writing journey.

- Lydia